M-10 - Can I install it by myself?

[Boomer]

Ok - I've been trying to find a decent used M-10 to put in and had no luck. So I guess I'll go and pull the trigger on a new one. I've pretty much left the repairs to the pros although I did have a buddy help me take the stock skid out and replace the sliders and reinforce the W-Arm. This was a bit difficult getting back in and took both of us to do. I've since learned a few secrets on skid install via the forum, but I'm now 350 miles away from all my old friends who could help me and down here in Southern PA I don't know anyone. So before I pull the trigger. Can I do the install alone? Or will I get half way through and be screwed and half to load it on the trailer in pieces and drive 5 hours. If anyone down this way has experience or can help me out, let me know.

 

[kinger]

I haven't done this yet so I don't know if it would work but what I'm going to try is tip the sled on its side and swing the track out, get the skid in there as good as you can then swing it into the tunnel, get the first bolt in lightly then set the sled right side up and you shoudl be able to manuver the skid around and get all the bolts. I was also going to hang a strap down from the rafter beam and support the rear of the sled slightly while I wrestle under neath it. Shouldn't be that bad.

 

[RTX]

Boomer
In the tech section there are directions (under the suspension link) for installing the m10 in your sled.
I would suggest you take a look at this first and see what is involved. If you are not comfortable doing this type of work or don't have the tools i would suggest finding some help.
I did an expert x in my viper a few years ago.
I did the entire job alone and it took about 7 hrs and a case of beer. probably could have been done a lot quicker but i measured about 20 times before i cut and drilled anything.
It was a bit of work, but it was well worth it.

I dont know your mechanical abilities but the directions should be pretty clear and there is lots of help on here.
You might want to put out a thread to people in your area. I am sure someone would help if they were in the area.
Good luck

 

[Boomer]

I read everything I could find on installing the M-10 and every other suspension on the site many times. (I'm really anal about this stuff!)
I'm just a lot more comfortable working with wood than I am motors and mechanics. I used to do everything myself when I was young, but got lazy in my old age and would rather pay someone to do it now. Sleds justs seem simple enough and I'm trying to do this work myself now. Yes, I would love to have an extra pair of hands, but in case I can't I want to know if it's realistic for someone who hasn't done this before. I can read and understand and follow directions, but they better be complete.
I don't think tipping the sled on the side is the easiest method for replacing a skid. Is it? Great for seeing it and doing maintenance, but taking it out that way?????? When I took it out last time we had aengine hoist to lift the rear. I don;t have access to one now, but coud use the rafters in the garage to hoist the rear up.

 

[Travis Moore]

I read everything I could find on installing the M-10 and every other suspension on the site many times. (I'm really anal about this stuff!)
I'm just a lot more comfortable working with wood than I am motors and mechanics. I used to do everything myself when I was young, but got lazy in my old age and would rather pay someone to do it now. Sleds justs seem simple enough and I'm trying to do this work myself now. Yes, I would love to have an extra pair of hands, but in case I can't I want to know if it's realistic for someone who hasn't done this before. I can read and understand and follow directions, but they better be complete.
I don't think tipping the sled on the side is the easiest method for replacing a skid. Is it? Great for seeing it and doing maintenance, but taking it out that way?????? When I took it out last time we had aengine hoist to lift the rear. I don;t have access to one now, but coud use the rafters in the garage to hoist the rear up.

I've got time-I will help you for 20 dollars a hour plus the fuel to get there and back.

T

 

[local 25]

Boomer, i did my M-10 install by myself and im no mechanic. it was fairly easy and i do recomend you do it. i did like you said,i raised my rear end up and tied to the rafters in my garage. if i rember corectly,there is no measuring.you only have to drill out a few holes that are allready there.(the tunnel).The hardest part for me was taking a grinder to the metal flange inside the tunnel,and that wasnt even that bad. pm me if you need to but all the people on TY helped me with any and all the questions that i had.

 

[local 25]

heres another pic.,once you remove a couple of rivets the empty rivet hole becomes your pilot hole for the new and bigger holes that need to be drilled.no measuring)

 

[Boomer]

Travis, Gee Thanks, but no thanks. Kinda goes against the spirit of this site. I've got no problem with buying lots of beer and even a dinner to have "friend" help me out, but if I wanted to hire a mechanic I'm sure I could. I'd even drive somewhere reasonable if that would make the job go easier, I just don't want to drive 350 miles back home.

Local25 - Now that's what I'm talking about. THANKS!!!!

 

[Travis Moore]

Travis, Gee Thanks, but no thanks. Kinda goes against the spirit of this site. I've got no problem with buying lots of beer and even a dinner to have "friend" help me out, but if I wanted to hire a mechanic I'm sure I could. I'd even drive somewhere reasonable if that would make the job go easier, I just don't want to drive 350 miles back home.

Local25 - Now that's what I'm talking about. THANKS!!!!

I live, oh I don't know, 12 hours from you?

You seem like you have NO one around to help...so gas and a 100 bucks or so....?

T

 

[nysrx01]

M10 installation

I just installed a M10 in my 04 Warrior. The hardest part about the whole installation is slidding the suspension back in to the track. The front and rear holes lined up with no problem. Justed used a floor jack. Did the whole installation by hanging the rear of the sled off a block and tackle on the rafters. It took about 4 to 5 hours. It was my first big project.

 

[FAMILYMAN]

Travis was willing to travel 12 hrs to help you out..WOW. He dont sound like he was trying to rob you. So I would say that is cool of a ty to even think about traveling 12 hrs to lend a hand and only looking to cover expenses. Ya thats what ty is all about.

Now that being said, I think you can do it yourself. If you have a drill, grinder and some patience you will be fine.

Oya, with the steel rivets. Drill into them slightly or grind the face off and center punch them out. Dont try drilling them completely out. You might be there for days.

 

[Travis Moore]

Travis was willing to travel 12 hrs to help you out..WOW. He dont sound like he was trying to rob you. So I would say that is cool of a ty to even think about traveling 12 hrs to lend a hand and only looking to cover expenses. Ya thats what ty is all about.

Now that being said, I think you can do it yourself. If you have a drill, grinder and some patience you will be fine.

Oya, with the steel rivets. Drill into them slightly or grind the face off and center punch them out. Dont try drilling them completely out. You might be there for days.

Thanks for seeing it my way.

 

[Boomer]

Guys, Come on I'm not trying to be a jerk, but my original post just asked if anyone down my way wanted to help. Travis responded that for 20 bucks an hour and gas he'd help. Well, his profile doesn't say where he lives and 12 hours is not exactly "down my way" (BTW - Why not put some personal info ie: city/state so we know where our brothers live). When I responded I did not know that. I think it is great he is trying to help, but that is not what I was looking for and that hardly seems realistic. With gas at $2.25 a gallon, $20.00/ hour labor, tolls, meals and a hotel ---- You do the math, how is that a good deal for me????
I'm sure I could trailer it up to my local dealer and pay less than that to have them install it.
I was just asking for opinions and advice about whether I could do this myself, cause I've never gone this deep into my sled and if someone in my general area, (I know there are guys in PA, Maryland and Jersey on here) wanted to give me a hand well I would have welcomed it.
But now it seems obvious I can do this and don't need to worry about it.
I really appreciate the constructive and useful info, it's what makes this site so great!!!

 

[Honk]

Boomer, the hardest part is putting the skid back in your track, But if your gonna tear it down you may as well get rid of that 03 conical track. upgrade to a new 1"1/4, While your at it, the bearings probally need replacing too! Chaincase bearings ever get done? lots to do. Oh Yea, how bout the skid bushings along with front end bushings. You can do it, and it will be fun learning your sled, then you won't be afraid to open that baby up, and tear it down. Cake walk!! SEE YA Honk!!

 

[RX Buck]

Put a 136 M10 in my 03. Don't be afraid of it. If you follow the directions you will be fine. Took me a few hours but turned out awsome. You will probably enjoy doing it. I love to work on my sleds. The biggest problem is these damn 4 strokes are so reliable you don't get to work on them enough. I need to start buying older sleds I can fix and sell so I can have some fun. The wife loves that!

Buck